On 9 August 2026, in Maloum, Ouaka prefecture, 69 ex-combatants from the UPC and anti-Balaka armed groups, including one woman, were disarmed and demobilized by the Execution Unit of the National Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Repatriation Program (UEPNDDRR), with the support of MINUSCA and local authorities. This operation aims to consolidate the gains of the peace process and promote the sustainable reintegration of former combatants into civilian life.
This operation is part of ongoing efforts in the locality since July 2025 to strengthen local stability and encourage armed groups to join the peace process.
Weapons collection and local stabilization
Among the ex-combatants who voluntarily laid down their weapons were 62 elements from the Union for Peace in the Central African Republic (UPC) and seven members of the anti-Balaka group.
During the operation, the teams collected and secured 37 weapons of various types, 1,800 rounds of ammunition of different calibers, as well as six rockets, which are scheduled for destruction in accordance with established procedures.
For local authorities, this new step represents a major milestone toward the permanent return of security and stability in the region.
"I welcome the disarmament carried out so that Maloum can find peace. We have suffered greatly in the past, but today the locality is calm, and we no longer face security issues," declared Aboubakar Maloum, First Deputy Mayor of the Ouro-Djafoun municipality.
A new chapter for ex-combatants
For the beneficiaries, this step represents an opportunity to turn the page on conflict and rebuild their future.
"I am very happy to have been disarmed and to see my country moving toward peace. I invite everyone still in the bush to come out and join this process," said Andi Tayo Alida, a member of the anti-Balaka group. The young woman now hopes to undergo tailoring training to successfully achieve her socioeconomic reintegration. "I would like to train in tailoring and resume a normal life," she specified.
Moussa Mahamat, a former UPC combatant, showed the same determination, planning to contribute to his country's security through legal channels. "Today, I have completed DDR, and I am very satisfied. If the opportunity arises, I would like to join the armed forces to help protect the population," he indicated.
An encouraging sign for the peace process
For Jean Jacson Daniel, coordinator of the MINUSCA DDR team, the voluntary participation of ex-combatants is an encouraging sign for the implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic.
"We carried out this operation with great satisfaction. The ex-combatants presented themselves voluntarily, which is very encouraging. It is rare to see UPC elements hand over heavy-caliber weapons. This demonstrates a genuine willingness to adhere to the peace process," he highlighted.
Hailing notably from Pombolo, Ebando, Nzako, and Bambari, the 69 demobilized ex-combatants are now entering the reintegration phase. In accordance with the mechanisms provided by the DDRR Program, they will be eligible either for integration into the defense and security forces or for support toward socio-professional reintegration.
Bebey Michelle Tchania
